Reactive dyes imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported reactive dyes worth $3.2 million (577 tonnes). That is 4% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2019, at $5.9 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $3.2M | 577 t |
| 2023 | $3.3M | 502 t |
| 2022 | $5.0M | 675 t |
| 2021 | $5.1M | 762 t |
| 2020 | $3.7M | 568 t |
| 2019 | $5.9M | 736 t |
| 2018 | $5.7M | 754 t |
| 2017 | $4.1M | 602 t |
Where South Africa imports reactive dyes from
One supplier dominates: India accounted for 60% of the value. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+244% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $1.9M | 60% |
| China | $321K | 10% |
| Taiwan | $197K | 6.2% |
| Indonesia | $156K | 4.9% |
| Switzerland | $146K | 4.6% |
| South Korea | $114K | 3.6% |
| United Arab Emirates | $78K | 2.5% |
| Italy | $71K | 2.2% |
| Mauritius | $43K | 1.3% |
| Japan | $42K | 1.3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $5.53 per kg, close to the world average of $5.24.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Reactive dyes exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported reactive dyes worth $563 thousand (66 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Botswana (27%), Malawi (24%), Germany (14%). Among the main buyer markets, Tanzania grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $152K | 27% |
| Malawi | $133K | 24% |
| Germany | $80K | 14% |
| Mauritius | $40K | 7.2% |
| Zimbabwe | $35K | 6.1% |
| Turkey | $34K | 6% |
| Kenya | $27K | 4.8% |
| Tanzania | $22K | 3.9% |
| Angola | $13K | 2.4% |
| Pakistan | $9K | 1.7% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa reactive dyes imports (HS 3204.16): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 3204.16: Dyes: reactive dyes and preparations based thereon.
Common questions
What is the value of reactive dyes imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported reactive dyes worth $3.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 577 tonnes. That ranks it 45th of 174 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 4% on 2023.
Which countries supply reactive dyes to South Africa?
India was the largest supplier with 60% of the value ($1.9 million), followed by China (10%) and Taiwan (6%). The top three together account for 77%, out of 20 supplier countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 244% on the year.
What is the average import price of reactive dyes per kg?
The average declared import value was about $5.53 per kg in 2024, 6% above the world average of $5.24 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of reactive dyes to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $4.1 million in 2017 to $3.2 million in 2024, a fall of 21%. The peak was 2019 at $5.9 million. Over 8 years the average was $4.5 million a year.
Does South Africa also export reactive dyes?
Yes. South Africa exported $563 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Botswana, Malawi and Germany. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $2.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for reactive dyes?
The HS code for reactive dyes is subheading 3204.16. It sits in HS chapter 32 (tanning or dyeing extracts; tannins and their derivatives; dyes, pigments and other colouring matter; paints, varnishes; putty, other mastics; inks). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3204 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for South Africa. Tell us your product to see it live.
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